Medicine

Vitus refused quite bluntly, "Your Highness, I am escorting cargo this time. Those armors, heavy crossbows, and siege cannons have already been handed over to your army. Master Di Maggio is still waiting to collect payment, and I need to return to Italy as soon as possible."

After bidding farewell to Bourges, Vitus set off southward with his mercenary company.

En route, he heard that a rebellion had broken out in Bordeaux. The temporarily appointed mayor had been burned to death, and although the French army crushed the uprising, the entire city suffered severe damage and could not provide tax revenue in the short term.

Upon careful reflection, he felt the rebellion in Bordeaux was no accident.

First, England's rainy weather was unsuitable for grape cultivation, necessitating the import of large quantities of wine. Bordeaux happened to be a premier wine-producing region, creating an industrial synergy between the two. Now that France had recovered Bordeaux, it meant a sharp decline in local wine sales, naturally sparking resident dissatisfaction.

Second, ever since Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II in 1152, England had ruled Bordeaux for two hundred and seventy years. The locals had long accepted the status quo and instead viewed the French army as invaders.

The aristocratic relationships of the Middle Ages are overly complex, and the entanglement between France and England is a mess. A large number of French nobles are fence-sitters. If I stay any longer, who knows when I might be sabotaged by 'allies.' For instance, in the original timeline, a certain city closed its gates early, blocking Joan of Arc's troops outside and leading to her capture by the Burgundy army.

In June, Vitus returned to Florence. Looking from afar, the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore had yet to be closed. This structure had begun construction in 1296, and after more than a hundred years, it was still under construction. According to the current progress, it was said that it would take several more decades before it could be put into use.

"Why doesn't the City Council allocate funds to speed up the progress? Back in the day, Justinian the Great ordered the reconstruction of the Hagia Sophia in 532, and it was completed in just five years."

Vitus grumbled inwardly as he walked along the familiar streets toward the Di Maggio mansion to inform Giulio of his recent experiences.

"...According to my observations, France is the best agricultural region in Europe, and its national strength is clearly superior to England. As long as they end their internal conflicts, relying on their massive scale, they will sooner or later be able to defeat England. I suggest you wait a few more years; there may be unexpected turning points."

After speaking, he had someone bring in a copper chest containing the payment the Dauphin had made for the shipment. Giulio grabbed a handful of coins and let them slip through his fingers.

"This money is only enough to cover the costs. According to your meaning, I should continue to supply goods at a low price until the French army achieves victory?

Forget it, never mind that for now. Not long ago, a letter arrived from Constantinople agreeing to the marriage between you and Agnes. I intend to pick a suitable time for you to get engaged. What do you think?"

Since the Emperor did not object, Vitus readily agreed. He followed Giulio to the suburban estate, where he met the envoys sent by the Eastern Roman Empire: the civil official Savard and the centurion Lucas.

"Your Highness, we meet again. This is a personal letter from the Emperor."

Lucas scrutinized the prince he hadn't seen in two years. Tempered by the battlefield, his physique was no longer as thin as it once was. The original scholarly, weak temperament had vanished without a trace, replaced by capability and decisiveness.

Vitus tore open the envelope. The main contents were twofold:

Since the engagement ceremony was to be held, he must publicly acknowledge himself as "Vitus Palaiologos." From then on, his words and deeds would represent the Eastern Roman imperial family, and he could not act recklessly.

Secondly, Andronikos Palaiologos (the third prince) had seen his condition worsen. The Emperor wanted Vitus to hire the famous Florentine physician Gennaro Gonnecchia. Once the engagement ceremony concluded, Vitus was to return to the country as soon as possible, both to hold the wedding and to have the doctor treat Andronikos.

"Gennaro?" Vitus scratched his head and inquired with Giulio about the location of this famous doctor—the University of Florence.

"I hope his medical skills are worthy of his reputation."

Vitus dumped the preparations for the engagement ceremony onto others and headed alone to the south of Florence, finding a courtyard near the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.

At first glance, the University of Florence was not as grand or spectacular as expected. The streets had few pedestrians, the stone walls were covered in ivy, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and grass. Only the lily emblem on the lintel revealed its identity.

Following the directions of the old gatekeeper, Vitus headed toward a three-story stone building. Passing through the atrium cloister, he saw a dozen students sitting in the shade of an oak tree, each with a wax tablet spread across their knees, following a professor to study Cicero's work, De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum.

During this period, the university had seven basic courses (grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music). Once all were passed, students could choose one subject from theology, medicine, or law for advanced study to obtain a doctorate.

He did not disturb the students and tiptoed up to the second floor, suddenly smelling a pungent, bloody odor.

The room was hung with thick curtains, and whale-oil candles emitted a bright light. More than twenty students were gathered together, watching the professor's every move.

"Look closely. For this anatomy lesson, I fought with the City Council for a full month. Sigh, the conditions in Florence are ultimately inferior to Padua. I suggest that before you become practicing physicians, you must intern at the medical school in Padua for a period..."

Beside the dissection table, the bespectacled professor operated his tools while explaining the internal structure of the human body. The intense scent of rosemary mixed with the stench of rot forced Vitus to cover his nose and mouth. He stood quietly in the corner watching until the melodious sound of bells drifted in from outside the window.

The lesson ended. The professor took off his gloves and violently tore open the room's black curtains. The setting sun slanted into the room, and the sudden increase in light made everyone squint.

At this moment, two figures stood up on the right side of the podium: a priest from the Inquisition and a supervisor from the City Council. They took out a small booklet and began to record, confirming that the professor and students had not committed any blasphemous acts and had not held any black magic rituals.

Not only that, but they also registered everyone's names, including the young man who had broken in halfway through.

"I am Vitus Palaiologos, the fourth son of Emperor Manuel. I am ordered to invite the professor to Constantinople to treat my brother."

Since he was a member of the royal family, the priest and the supervisor did not pester him further. They covered their noses and mouths and left this "unclean place," seemingly not wanting to stay for even a moment longer.

After waiting for another ten minutes or so, the medical students dispersed one after another. Vitus formally invited Gennaro to the Eastern Roman Empire, "In addition to a generous reward, you can also read various books collected in the imperial palace, including the works of ancient Greek medical experts such as Hippocrates and Galen."

As a doctor who had practiced for many years, Gennaro had a keen interest in Hippocrates, "I am already sick of the rules in Florence. Most anatomy classes can only use deer and rabbits as substitutes, and I have to endure the meddling of the church. My neighbors treat me like a wizard, and some even walk around me. Since that's the case, why not change to a new environment? When do we set off?"

"In about half a month, after the engagement ceremony ends, we will board a ship at Livorno."